GLoomis HSR or BB for swimbait?

DEA · May-11-2008, 09:28 PM

For those that have wrapped some freshwater swimbait rods using GLoomis blanks, which do you prefer between the HSR or BB blanks? Why?

Plan on throwing a spectrum of freshwater swimbaits (Huddleston/Castaic/316 etc) and top water wake baits (Lunker Plunker, Dead or Alive).

Reel will have braid and short mono/floro top shot.

2 requirements: gotta be light and some serious horsepower for longer distance hooksets.

Had an acquaintance throwing a HSR983 blank, but can't for the life of me find it available anywhere.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

P/S...Randy, you reading this....get ready....

Capt. G · May-11-2008, 10:16 PM

I have made and sold several thousand custom swimbait rods over the last 10 years, made on G.Loomis, GUSA, Shikari, and custom designed blanks. The Loomis blanks have not been the most popular among the aforementioned.
I too like the HSR983 rod; I think it is a Hot-Shot rod designed for salmon, but I could be wrong. Anyway, I suggest that you check out several different blanks, and mfg. to find what fits you best. Performance Tackle in Los Alamitos makes their own swimbait blanks which I feel are much superior to any store bought blanks on the market. I purchase blanks from Marc from time to time, but it seems they are always sold out...
Good luck with your swimbait rod.

coryellk · May-12-2008, 01:11 AM

I have a factory HSR981C that I modified for flats and surf fishing on South Padre Island/Laguna Madre. I like the fast action and the incredibly light weight (whole 8'2" weighs about 5-6 oz). I haven't used it in several years but it had the backbone to tame oversized redfish like it was cool. Part of my rationale was the theory that it was developed for steelhead and salmon. It worked for me. For days of casting lures I cut 5" off the but and counterweighted the butt with a few ounces of brass to add more of a pendulum effect.
I think the BB will have more of a traditional action without the same backbone.

Zombie · May-12-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEA

For those that have wrapped some freshwater swimbait rods using GLoomis blanks, which do you prefer between the HSR or BB blanks? Why?

Plan on throwing a spectrum of freshwater swimbaits (Huddleston/Castaic/316 etc) and top water wake baits (Lunker Plunker, Dead or Alive).

Reel will have braid and short mono/floro top shot.

2 requirements: gotta be light and some serious horsepower for longer distance hooksets.

Had an acquaintance throwing a HSR983 blank, but can't for the life of me find it available anywhere.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

P/S...Randy, you reading this....get ready....

CTS. I'm ready, what's the time frame? Randy.

DocSki · May-12-2008, 07:21 AM

Just a little heads up guys. There is some new stuff coming from Batson that might fill the needs here. Give acidrod.com a growl, I think the blanks are due in about July.

DEA · May-12-2008, 07:25 AM

Thanks fellas....

Randy....yesterday.....

Zombie · May-12-2008, 07:59 AM

Yesterday 2009. No problem...

DEA · May-12-2008, 08:28 AM

Tou-che' Randy.....

BTW, Capt G what GLoomis blank is comparable to the HSR983? I've sifted hi and low and I can't seem to find any listing for it?

Capt. G · May-12-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEA

Tou-che' Randy.....

BTW, Capt G what GLoomis blank is comparable to the HSR983? I've sifted hi and low and I can't seem to find any listing for it?

I purchased my 983 about ten years ago; the reason you can not locate one is that they could have been discontinued. You might want to look at a Shikari 794, which is about the same power, and similar in feel.

DEA · May-12-2008, 03:53 PM

Damn, I gotta another swimbait slingin' bud that's wielding a HS983 custom that's stunningly simple and light but absolutely flicks a Huddy Deluxe like it was nothin....

The search continues....

BTW, Doc still waiting to hear back from Mark @ Acid about the Batson wondersticks.

Karry and Co were out fishin today, so incommunocado

Local 66 · May-12-2008, 04:09 PM

Not sure what you're using it for, but I use a Loomis MU844BR for pitching 2-4oz swimbaits and plugs at big snook here in my area. I would definately think it would be overkill for bass & such, but it's a light comfortable rod to use for large inshore species here in my area. Might be worth checking out.

DEA · May-12-2008, 08:20 PM

Thanks Bill, that's another alternative I am considering.....